well it may not be thursday but we havnt had chance to update the blog for ages. Anyway, today (imagine its thursday :) we went on the grand tour of the androsia factory. it was amazing to see how the process was carried out. the tour guide was the one in charge of hand-carving each print out of styro-foam. we also found out that the whole factory consists of about 14 people! who do everything from colouring to sewing. there are only 2 sewers in the whole place. most people also purchased a few items from the sho, but i wont give away any souverner suprise.
After a relaxing afternoon, we went to our last bible school *sob*. the kids were great, if not a handful! anyway we were all looking forward to friday since the beach was mentioned!
Chris :D
Saturday, 23 August 2008
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Another Hot Hot Day!
Wednesday 20th August
Today we again were scrub clearing at Sister Vernes house again, this time we burned all the wood and garden waste and started clearing rooms inside to lay lino down on Friday, Was a very hot day today with no break of rain for a change! We then rested in the heat and played cardgames, hair braiding (a running theme) and generally cooled down. In the evening we had a very successful Vacation Bible School with over 30 children again, the under 8's studyed Noah, and the Over 8s Daniel and the lions den. We had a show from the older ones with some very loud roaring!
Please pray for all those receiving GCSE results on thursday and that communications get through.
Ruthy
Today we again were scrub clearing at Sister Vernes house again, this time we burned all the wood and garden waste and started clearing rooms inside to lay lino down on Friday, Was a very hot day today with no break of rain for a change! We then rested in the heat and played cardgames, hair braiding (a running theme) and generally cooled down. In the evening we had a very successful Vacation Bible School with over 30 children again, the under 8's studyed Noah, and the Over 8s Daniel and the lions den. We had a show from the older ones with some very loud roaring!
Please pray for all those receiving GCSE results on thursday and that communications get through.
Ruthy
Hot, scorchy long day!
Tuesday 19th August
Today we continued with our scrub clearing, clearing alot of rubbish from the yard, sweeping up leaves, its very satisfying seeing the difference.
We then chilled out in the afternoon, it rained so no swimming!
In the evening we had another bible school where both groups were looking at putting others first, the younger group looking at feeding of the five thousand and the older looked at how bees are selfless to protect the hive (there is a link).
Very enthusiastic singing from all corners!
It was also Al and Sarahs 19th wedding anniversary (which they both forgot about) so we had a team treat of Ice Cream and gifts from the team to them.
Ruthy
Today we continued with our scrub clearing, clearing alot of rubbish from the yard, sweeping up leaves, its very satisfying seeing the difference.
We then chilled out in the afternoon, it rained so no swimming!
In the evening we had another bible school where both groups were looking at putting others first, the younger group looking at feeding of the five thousand and the older looked at how bees are selfless to protect the hive (there is a link).
Very enthusiastic singing from all corners!
It was also Al and Sarahs 19th wedding anniversary (which they both forgot about) so we had a team treat of Ice Cream and gifts from the team to them.
Ruthy
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Scrub Clearing and Vacation Bible School
Monday 18th Aug
A super busy day today! We started at 9:30am, we went to a church members house to do some clearing of the house and yard. Im not sure anyone expected the huge amount of work we had before us. We spent two hours clearing a huge yard where we found, laptops, a rusty truck engine, a sofa, and lots more. We also set to with Machetes, chopping down banana trees, coconut trees and anything that stayed still long enough for the boys (and a few girls) to hack!
We cleared alot of the yard and made some very impressive piles for a fire and rubbish. We then had lunch at the manse and changed into more appropriate clothes. After some prep time we went to run a Vacation Bible School, we were expecting between 10 and 20 children so imagine our surprise when 38 descended upon us!
It was a great time of singing, drawing and colouring and learning about God.
We then had a team meeting and then it was definately time for bed!!
We have a busy week ahead of us so pray we all keep our energy level up!
Ruthy x
A super busy day today! We started at 9:30am, we went to a church members house to do some clearing of the house and yard. Im not sure anyone expected the huge amount of work we had before us. We spent two hours clearing a huge yard where we found, laptops, a rusty truck engine, a sofa, and lots more. We also set to with Machetes, chopping down banana trees, coconut trees and anything that stayed still long enough for the boys (and a few girls) to hack!
We cleared alot of the yard and made some very impressive piles for a fire and rubbish. We then had lunch at the manse and changed into more appropriate clothes. After some prep time we went to run a Vacation Bible School, we were expecting between 10 and 20 children so imagine our surprise when 38 descended upon us!
It was a great time of singing, drawing and colouring and learning about God.
We then had a team meeting and then it was definately time for bed!!
We have a busy week ahead of us so pray we all keep our energy level up!
Ruthy x
Sunday, 17 August 2008
SAND, SEA ad SUNday :P
Well Sunday is nearly over so we thought we'd update you on our day.
We split into two teams for church today, 2 services each. Sarah, Mandy, Katy, Chris and Revd Stacia went to Stanyard Creek and Stafford Creek. Al, Rev.d Mark, Caitlin, Tom, Tim, and Roo went to Nicholl's Town and Mastic Point where Rae and Ruth joined the rest team at Mastic Point so got off lightly with only 1 service.
Sarah was Preaching at Stanyard Creek and did fabulously!! only 2 locals turned up though which made it very personal intimate service. She preached on Praying like Jesus and gave a brilliant insight into how, why,where, when and what Jesus prayed, giving those who heard it great insight into the spiritual life of Jesus in a way that we hadn't heard before. Mandy was preaching at Stafford Creek to a congregation of 4 locals, we all sang out to God. Mandy preached on disciples and why people don't become disciples and how God called her. It was a great sermon and she summarised the message in poetry! She really needs to publish her poems - you should hear her!
We all did Sunday lunch Andros style each at their home stay. Sarah, Al and Rachael had craw fish!!! After an afternoon rest we gathered for swimming (a long awaited reward for hard work). The beach is just ten minutes walk and it only took a few seconds before everyone was in the water. The water is warm and clear; it provides a great environment for diving under the waves to observe the fish. Even in the shallows there are are plenty of fish to swim with. Mandy came back with a baby conch (which she returned to the sea I add) and with Chris an underwater video of fish.
Back to home stays for a good nights sleep in preparation of our outreach tomorrow morning.
Al, Mandy and Sarah
We split into two teams for church today, 2 services each. Sarah, Mandy, Katy, Chris and Revd Stacia went to Stanyard Creek and Stafford Creek. Al, Rev.d Mark, Caitlin, Tom, Tim, and Roo went to Nicholl's Town and Mastic Point where Rae and Ruth joined the rest team at Mastic Point so got off lightly with only 1 service.
Sarah was Preaching at Stanyard Creek and did fabulously!! only 2 locals turned up though which made it very personal intimate service. She preached on Praying like Jesus and gave a brilliant insight into how, why,where, when and what Jesus prayed, giving those who heard it great insight into the spiritual life of Jesus in a way that we hadn't heard before. Mandy was preaching at Stafford Creek to a congregation of 4 locals, we all sang out to God. Mandy preached on disciples and why people don't become disciples and how God called her. It was a great sermon and she summarised the message in poetry! She really needs to publish her poems - you should hear her!
We all did Sunday lunch Andros style each at their home stay. Sarah, Al and Rachael had craw fish!!! After an afternoon rest we gathered for swimming (a long awaited reward for hard work). The beach is just ten minutes walk and it only took a few seconds before everyone was in the water. The water is warm and clear; it provides a great environment for diving under the waves to observe the fish. Even in the shallows there are are plenty of fish to swim with. Mandy came back with a baby conch (which she returned to the sea I add) and with Chris an underwater video of fish.
Back to home stays for a good nights sleep in preparation of our outreach tomorrow morning.
Al, Mandy and Sarah
Saturday, 16 August 2008
Hello Andros - brace yourselves!
Saturday 16th August
So you know the saying early to bed early to rise ... that didnt quite work. We were departing from Nassau for Andros at 8am (check in at 7am) and for one I was still in bed when Rose came to pick me up! Sarah and Al's car kept breaking down enroute and it was really touch and go to make the ferry!
The goodbye was emotional many tears mainly from Rose! After our departure the ferry ride took just over two and a half hours. With an amazing encounter with flying fish (or birds the debates still rages.)
We were greeted by Rev Mark Christmas and taken to our respective home stays, after depositing our belongings we met at the Christmas' house and had lunch and a discussion about what we are doing. Today was really just a settling in to the relaxed style of Andros life, really really laid back!
The difference between the city life of Nassau and the sparseness of Andros is vast. It is a really nice change and we are all looking forward to our change in pace but still a packed programme.
Saturday 16th
Lunch at Manse, relax into homestays
Sunday 17th
Church - Al preaching at Nicholls Town and Mastic Point,
Sarah Preaching at Stanyard
Mandy preaching at Stafford Creeks
Team distributed throughout churches.
Rest of the day with hosts with a possible trip to the beach.
Monday 18th
Outreach, house clearing for a church member, clearing external area of house and starting to lay lino flooring inside.
Vacation Bible School at Wesley Methodist Mastic Point.
Tuesday 19th
Outreach, house clearing, clearing external area of house and starting to lay lino flooring inside.
Vacation Bible School at Wesley Methodist Mastic Point.
Wednesday 20th
Outreach, house clearing, clearing external area of house and starting to lay lino flooring inside.
Vacation Bible School at Wesley Methodist Mastic Point.
Thursday 21st
Trip to Androsia cottage dyeing factory, tshirts, bags etc.
Lunch at Morgans Bluff
Vacation Bible School at Wesley Methodist Mastic Point.
Friday 22nd
Completion of outreach house clearing if necessary.
Craft workshop, local basket weaving.
Saturday 23rd
Community Tour
Lunch at Fish Fry
Prep for services on sunday.
Sunday 24th
Al preaching at Stanyard and Stafford Creek
Others to Mastic Point and Nicholls Town.
Shared Evening worship - sharing cultures of church.
Monday 25th
Free Day to pack, and get ready for Grand Bahama
Tuesday 26th
Flight to Nassau and onto Grand Bahama.
So you know the saying early to bed early to rise ... that didnt quite work. We were departing from Nassau for Andros at 8am (check in at 7am) and for one I was still in bed when Rose came to pick me up! Sarah and Al's car kept breaking down enroute and it was really touch and go to make the ferry!
The goodbye was emotional many tears mainly from Rose! After our departure the ferry ride took just over two and a half hours. With an amazing encounter with flying fish (or birds the debates still rages.)
We were greeted by Rev Mark Christmas and taken to our respective home stays, after depositing our belongings we met at the Christmas' house and had lunch and a discussion about what we are doing. Today was really just a settling in to the relaxed style of Andros life, really really laid back!
The difference between the city life of Nassau and the sparseness of Andros is vast. It is a really nice change and we are all looking forward to our change in pace but still a packed programme.
Saturday 16th
Lunch at Manse, relax into homestays
Sunday 17th
Church - Al preaching at Nicholls Town and Mastic Point,
Sarah Preaching at Stanyard
Mandy preaching at Stafford Creeks
Team distributed throughout churches.
Rest of the day with hosts with a possible trip to the beach.
Monday 18th
Outreach, house clearing for a church member, clearing external area of house and starting to lay lino flooring inside.
Vacation Bible School at Wesley Methodist Mastic Point.
Tuesday 19th
Outreach, house clearing, clearing external area of house and starting to lay lino flooring inside.
Vacation Bible School at Wesley Methodist Mastic Point.
Wednesday 20th
Outreach, house clearing, clearing external area of house and starting to lay lino flooring inside.
Vacation Bible School at Wesley Methodist Mastic Point.
Thursday 21st
Trip to Androsia cottage dyeing factory, tshirts, bags etc.
Lunch at Morgans Bluff
Vacation Bible School at Wesley Methodist Mastic Point.
Friday 22nd
Completion of outreach house clearing if necessary.
Craft workshop, local basket weaving.
Saturday 23rd
Community Tour
Lunch at Fish Fry
Prep for services on sunday.
Sunday 24th
Al preaching at Stanyard and Stafford Creek
Others to Mastic Point and Nicholls Town.
Shared Evening worship - sharing cultures of church.
Monday 25th
Free Day to pack, and get ready for Grand Bahama
Tuesday 26th
Flight to Nassau and onto Grand Bahama.
Chill Out Day!?
Friday 15th August
So today was meant to be a rest day (HA!).
We met at Rev. Sykes office and agreed to change monies, post postcards (expect them within 7-10 working days) and meet at the Houses of Parliament at 11am.
When it was apparent that changing money on a friday just wasnt going to happen we decided to focus on post office duties and do money later in the day!
We visited the Houses of Parliament and were given a tour by the Chief Clark Mr Tynes. It was a very interesting and informative morning, we even got to have a gander at the Senate meeting room (never open to the public) and it was great to think that is where royals open sessions and we were in the same room!
We then had an amazing meeting with the British High Comissioner Mr Peter Young, the main man who will get people home if they get in trouble but that aint us. He was brilliant to talk and listen to, he had great insight into the inner workings of the Bahamas, the importance and priviledge of cultural exchanges and what we can learn from them. He really encouraged all the team to continue to learn from other cultures and the doors this experience will open for them in their future!
We then had a second attempt at banking and were successful! Had lunch on Bay St, even some experience of Conch Salad. Then back to Wesley for Vacation Bible School Prep in Andros next week. The theme is B.I.B.L.E Best Instructions Before Leaving Earth, what the bible teaches us and why it is a useful tool.
Our last meal with the folks at Wesley and a little emotional for some of the team and hosts.
We then went home to pack and get an early night (again with the HA!)
So quite a good 'rest day'.
Ruthy
So today was meant to be a rest day (HA!).
We met at Rev. Sykes office and agreed to change monies, post postcards (expect them within 7-10 working days) and meet at the Houses of Parliament at 11am.
When it was apparent that changing money on a friday just wasnt going to happen we decided to focus on post office duties and do money later in the day!
We visited the Houses of Parliament and were given a tour by the Chief Clark Mr Tynes. It was a very interesting and informative morning, we even got to have a gander at the Senate meeting room (never open to the public) and it was great to think that is where royals open sessions and we were in the same room!
We then had an amazing meeting with the British High Comissioner Mr Peter Young, the main man who will get people home if they get in trouble but that aint us. He was brilliant to talk and listen to, he had great insight into the inner workings of the Bahamas, the importance and priviledge of cultural exchanges and what we can learn from them. He really encouraged all the team to continue to learn from other cultures and the doors this experience will open for them in their future!
We then had a second attempt at banking and were successful! Had lunch on Bay St, even some experience of Conch Salad. Then back to Wesley for Vacation Bible School Prep in Andros next week. The theme is B.I.B.L.E Best Instructions Before Leaving Earth, what the bible teaches us and why it is a useful tool.
Our last meal with the folks at Wesley and a little emotional for some of the team and hosts.
We then went home to pack and get an early night (again with the HA!)
So quite a good 'rest day'.
Ruthy
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